Grocer beaten to death in Dinajpur over unpaid dues, one arrested

A grocer, Zakirul Islam (45), was allegedly beaten to death in Phulbari, Dinajpur, after asking for money owed to his shop.

The incident took place at around 9 pm on Sunday in Putkia village of Eluary Union No. 1 in the upazila. A murder case has been filed naming four people along with unidentified accused, and police have arrested one person, Mahabur (21).

The deceased, Zakirul Islam, was the second son of the late Aftabuzzaman of Putkia village. He ran a grocery shop in front of his house.

According to police and local sources, an argument broke out at around 9 pm on Sunday between Zakirul Islam and his neighbours Abdul Mabud, Mahfuzul and Mahabur over the unpaid dues, which then turned into a scuffle.

Critically injured in the beating, Zakirul was taken to Phulbari Upazila Health Complex by his family members with help from locals, where the doctor on duty declared him dead.

After the incident, Mahabur was caught with the help of local people and handed over to Phulbari police. The others fled. Police later recovered the body and, after an inquest, sent it to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy.

On Monday morning, the deceased's wife, Rozina Begum, filed a murder case at Phulbari police station as the plaintiff, naming four people along with unidentified accused.

Rozina Begum has demanded a proper investigation into her husband's killing and justice.

Maulana Nabiul Islam, chairman of Eluary Union Parishad, said he has demanded that the culprits be brought under the law after investigation, and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Shahidul Islam, officer-in-charge of Phulbari police station, said the body has been sent to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital for autopsy. One person, Mahabur, has been arrested in the case, and an operation is under way to arrest the remaining accused.